MUMBAI: MTV New Media, Paramount Pictures Digital Entertainment, both part of Viacom Inc., and Blockbuster are unleashing Jackass 2.5, the first-ever, studio-backed feature streamed in its entirety online. Jackass 2.5 will be made available for free courtesy of Blockbuster at http://blockbuster.jackassworld.com beginning 19 December through 31 December, 2007.
To mark this event, Johnny Knoxville delivered a special message to the media on jackassworld.com, a new site and joint venture of MTV Networks and Dickhouse Productions that officially launches 9 February, 2008.
Jackass 2.5 is every bit as unbelievable as the preceding movies, combining stunts, pranks and all new lows. Jackass 2.5 includes never-before-seen footage and interviews, and features long-standing cast members Johnny Knoxville, Bam Margera, Chris Pontius, Dave England, Steve-O, Ehren McGhehey, Jason “Wee Man” Acuna, Preston Lacy and Ryan Dunn.
“There’s no better franchise than Jackass to launch our new media division. With Jackass 2.5 and soon jackassworld.com, we’re giving fans cool, viral content that’s perfect for the digital space,” said MTV Networks’ Music Group executive vice president of new media David Gale.
“We are very excited to be able to deliver Jackass 2.5, the first feature-length movie from a major studio which will debut free on the internet. The Jackass movie is the first of several features that we plan on distributing online and as the digital world evolves, Paramount will continue to turn digital distribution of content on its head,” states Paramount Pictures Digital Entertainment president Thomas Lesinski.
Streaming Jackass 2.5 is open to anyone in the US 17 or older, whether you’re a Blockbuster member or not for free. Go to http://blockbuster.jackassworld.com, download the free Microsoft Silverlight media player and with a few quick steps you’re watching the movie.
“We are thrilled to be part of this ground-breaking event. Streaming Jackass 2.5 emphasizes our commitment to provide consumers with the entertainment they want, in the format they want, whether it’s through our stores, through the mail or online,” said Blockbuster Inc chief information officer Keith Morrow.
“When we set out to make ‘Jackass number two,’ we made more than a movie — we made almost two movies. All the guys were so red hot, we just couldn’t stop filming. Now with Jackass 2.5, we finally have a great way to release the rest of this movie-worthy footage,” said Jackass producer and co-creator Jeff Tremaine.
On 26 December, the unrated Jackass 2.5 DVD with bonus features and an extra 45 minutes of never-before-seen footage will be available for rent exclusively at participating Blockbuster stores and blockbuster.com. It will also be available for purchase at all major DVD retailers, including Blockbuster, as well on jackassworld.com.
Additionally, beginning 26 December consumers can download-to-own Jackass 2.5 at movielink.com, iTunes, Amazon.com and other participating services. Beginning 1 January, 2008 the movie will also be available for download-to-rent exclusively at movielink.com.
The launch of Jackass 2.5 is the first in a torrent of new stuff to come from the Jackass crew on all platforms. From your TV, to your computer and even your local participating Blockbuster store, no place will be safe from their hi-jinks in the coming weeks.
